The document provides an introduction to quantum mechanics. It discusses the differences between classical and quantum mechanics, including that classical mechanics explains macroscopic phenomena while quantum mechanics explains microscopic phenomena. It then summarizes the classical point of view which uses particle trajectories and states, and the quantum point of view which includes wave-particle duality, probability, and the inability to perfectly know both a particle's position and momentum due to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Finally, it mentions that the correspondence principle requires quantum physics to reduce to classical physics for macroscopic systems.
The document provides an introduction to quantum mechanics. It discusses the differences between classical and quantum mechanics, including that classical mechanics explains macroscopic phenomena while quantum mechanics explains microscopic phenomena. It then summarizes the classical point of view which uses particle trajectories and states, and the quantum point of view which includes wave-particle duality, probability, and the inability to perfectly know both a particle's position and momentum due to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Finally, it mentions that the correspondence principle requires quantum physics to reduce to classical physics for macroscopic systems.
The document provides an introduction to quantum mechanics. It discusses the differences between classical and quantum mechanics, including that classical mechanics explains macroscopic phenomena while quantum mechanics explains microscopic phenomena. It then summarizes the classical point of view which uses particle trajectories and states, and the quantum point of view which includes wave-particle duality, probability, and the inability to perfectly know both a particle's position and momentum due to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Finally, it mentions that the correspondence principle requires quantum physics to reduce to classical physics for macroscopic systems.
Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics and Solid
State Physics : Chattopadhyay D. & Rakshit P.C Basics of Quantum Mechanics - Why Quantum Physics? -
Classical mechanics (Newton's mechanics) and Maxwell's equations
(electromagnetics theory) can explain MACROSCOPIC phenomena such as motion of billiard balls or rockets.
Quantum mechanics is used to explain microscopic phenomena such as
photon-atom scattering and flow of the electrons in a semiconductor. QUANTUM MECHANICS is a collection of postulates based on a huge number of experimental observations.
The differences between the classical and quantum mechanics can be
understood by examining both The classical point of view The quantum point of view Basics of Quantum Mechanics - Classical Point of View - In Newtonian mechanics, the laws are written in terms of PARTICLE TRAJECTORIES. A PARTICLE is an indivisible mass point object that has a variety of properties that can be measured, which we call observables. The observables specify the state of the particle (position and momentum). A SYSTEM is a collection of particles, which interact among themselves via internal forces, and can also interact with the outside world via external forces. The STATE OF A SYSTEM is a collection of the states of the particles that comprise the system. All properties of a particle can be known to infinite precision. Conclusions: TRAJECTORY state descriptor of Newtonian physics, EVOLUTION OF THE STATE Use Newton's second law PRINCIPLE OF CAUSALITY Two identical systems with the same initial conditions, subject to the same measurement will yield the same result. Basics of Quantum Mechanics - Quantum Point of View -
Quantum particles can act as both particles and waves
WAVE-PARTICLE DUALITY Quantum state is a conglomeration of several possible outcomes of measurement of physical properties Quantum mechanics uses the language of PROBABILITY theory (random chance) An observer cannot observe a microscopic system without altering some of its properties. Neither one can predict how the state of the system will change. QUANTIZATION of energy is yet another property of "microscopic" particles. Basics of Quantum Mechanics - Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle -
It is impossible to mention accurately and simultaneously the values of both the
members of particular pairs of physical quantities that dictate the behaviour of an atomic system One cannot unambiguously specify the values of particle's position and its momentum for a microscopic particle, i.e.
Position and momentum are, therefore, considered as incompatible variables.
The Heisenberg uncertainty principle strikes at the very heart of the classical physics => the particle trajectory. Some Applications of Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle
● Measurement of the position of a particle and its momentum in a
Gamma ray Microscope is in accordance with the Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle ● It explain why free electrons cannot reside inside an atomic nucleus ● The diffraction of electrons through a narrow slit takes place in accordance with Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle. ● We can estimate the ground state energy of a linear harmonic oscillator ● Natural broadening of the spectral line Basics of Quantum Mechanics - The Correspondence Principle - When Quantum physics is applied to macroscopic systems, it must reduce to the classical physics. Therefore, the nonclassical phenomena, such as uncertainty and duality, must become undetectable. Niels Bohr codified this requirement into his Correspondence principle: